WHO: The Friends of the Blake Library in Stuart, Inc., in support of the Martin County Library System

WHAT: Chautauqua South: Lifelong Learning

Florida Public Archaeology Network Lecture Series

Presented by Dr. Rachel K. Wentz, RPA

Dr. Rachel Wentz will present four illustrated monthly programs beginning 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 27 with “Windover: A Mortuary Pond from Florida’s Archaic Period” in the John F. Armstrong Wing of the Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart. Additional programs in the series will be February 17, March 17 and April 21. A20-minute Q&A follows each 40-minute talk. The programs are free and open to the public.

Dr. Rachel K. Wentz, RPA, is Regional Director of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, based in Cocoa, Florida. Dr. Wentz has done skeletal work in St. Croix, England and Ukraine. She sits on the board of the Florida Archaeological Council and is a Brevard County Historical Commissioner.

WHEN:Thursday, January 27, February 17, March 17 and April 21, 6:00 p.m.

Schedule:

January 27: Windover: A Mortuary Pond from Florida’s Archaic Period

Explore one of the most ancient, well-preserved archaeological sites in North America. The 7,000-year-old Windover archaeological site was a pond used for the interment of the dead and produced over 160 individuals whose analyses have provided insight into the life and health of people during Florida’s Archaic period.

February 17: Forensic Anthropology: How the Dead Died

A look at how forensic anthropology helps solve crimes and determine “cause of death” through the analysis of human skeletal remains. We’ll explore the vital role trauma analysis plays in forensics and how forensic anthropologists assist law enforcement in solving homicides.

March 17: Water World: The Archaeology of Florida’s Wetlands

Learn about the different types of wetland habitats in Florida and how Native Americans utilized these habitats for food, tools, weapons and day-to-day necessities. We will investigate the Windover site: a 7,000-year-old pond cemetery from east Florida and how these ponds were used for the burial of the dead.

April 21: Life’s a Beach: The Archaeology of Florida’s Coasts

Florida has over 1,300 miles of coastline, which provided numerous resources for Florida’s native populations. We’ll examine life among the Calusa and see how they built complex societies based on the rich coastal resources of south Florida.